Hopscotch articles from August 1997

Hopscotch archives from August 1997

The kid who really was one.(Edith Houghton became a player on the Philadelphia Bobbies women's baseball team in the 1920s at the age of 10)
August 1, 1997... Young baseball players are often nicknamed "kid." Probably the most famous "kid" was Ted Williams. He came up to the Major Leagues and batted .406. Since then, nobody has even hit .400. But few baseball players are really kids. Usually, they're...

Babe who?(short story)
August 1, 1997... Sally sat on the front steps of her porch. Cupping her face in her hands, she rested her elbows on her knees. Blonde braided pigtails hung limply over her shoulders, the sun bringing out the small sprinkle of freckles that spread across her nose....

Bowling.(poem)
August 1, 1997... Three-holed marble, Shiny black, Thrown upon A polished track, Traveling forward Down the lane, Slowing like A stationing train, Suddenly, In awkward stride, Heading for The sunken...

It's official - Melanie is a hockey referee.(16-year-old Melanie Bouchard becomes a certified Level 1 USA Hockey referee)
August 1, 1997... "I would never do that!" said Melanie Bouchard of Stowe, Vermont. She was talking about playing ice hockey. When she was eight years old, Melanie loved figure skating. She couldn't imagine wearing hockey skates and chasing after a puck. But the...

Sam's secret.(short story)
August 1, 1997... When I was younger, I was told I would never be able to play hockey. Whenever anyone tells me I can't do something, I'll do just about anything to prove her wrong. Hockey was no exception. When I finally made the Harwood Hornets' hockey team, it...

Be a good sport.(sports quiz)
August 1, 1997... There are two girls on a doubles tennis team, five girls on a basketball team, and six girls on a volleyball team. 1) We need a doubles tennis team, a basketball team, and a volleyball team. If each girl can play on only one team, how many...

Diving Miss Bozeman.(13-year-old Star Bozeman enjoys scuba diving)
August 1, 1997... Thirteen-year-old Star Bozeman dons a wet suit, face mask, snorkel, and fins. She quietly slips into the cool, dark river just before the sun comes up. Underwater, a herd of wild Florida manatees are sleeping. Star begins to swim nearby, but she...

The swimmers and the soap: a joke with a science secret!
August 1, 1997... A joke with a science secret! Let me teach you one of my favorite jokes so you can show it to your friends. WHAT YOU NEED: * a soup bowl half full of water * a pepper shaker * a bar of soap HERE'S THE JOKE:...

Quickly Katy!(poem)
August 1, 1997... Quickly, Katy, throw the ball Before they can prepare! Quickly, Katy, cross the ball And see them tear their hair! Quickly, Katy, dribble, dribble, Catch them off their guard! Quickly, Katy, into the net. ...

Laurie, what's wrong?(short story)
August 1, 1997... Sit and watch? Laurie Wheeler on the sidelines for a soccer game? Matt couldn't believe it. "Laurie, we need you. You're one of our best players." "Sorry," Laurie murmured. "I'm too tired. I'll play tomorrow. Promise." The delicate spring...

Bears in the camp.(short story)
August 1, 1997... Becky peeked out the window at a log building. A big sign read, BEARHEAD LAKE STATE PARK. "Here we are," said Nanny. Gramps parked the van in front of the building. Becky saw another sign. BEARS IN CAMP -- STORE FOOD ACCORDINGLY. ...

After-school treat.(snack recipe)
August 1, 1997... Ingredients: 8 cups corn or rice chex cereal (unsweetened) 2 cups peanuts (dry roasted - no salt added) 10 oz. bag small twisted pretzels 2 bags (10 oz. size) vanilla bits (white chocolate) 3 tablespoons vegetable oil ...

Amanda Jane.(poem)
August 1, 1997... Amanda Jane liked helium balloons. She thought she would use one to go to the moon. Where to get this balloon, she hadn't a clue. Poor Amanda Jane. Amanda and Dad shopped for cars one day. Over the lot a huge balloon...

It's great to skate.(eight-year-old skater Meghan Shapiro)
August 1, 1997... "I feel nervous before I enter the ice, but once I get through the door I'm real excited, and all my nervous feelings go away. Then after it's over, I want to do it again!" says Meghan Shapiro about being in ice-skating competitions. ...

Figure skater.(poem)
August 1, 1997... A proud swan, She takes to the air As though she owns it, Takes to the ice As though there is no Other way to move, No other show On earth Air, or water, More perfectly alive Than this...

Creating a salt-scape.(craft project)
August 1, 1997... Materials needed: * wax paper, about one-foot square * table salt or coarser pickling salt * colored chalk (broken pieces are fine) * small glass jar with lid: babyfood jar, spice jar, perfume bottle, or any small jar with...

First day of school.(poem)
August 1, 1997... I'm so scared. What if I get lost? What if no one likes me? What if my teacher's a monster? What if the kids put paste in my hair? I don't want to go. Maybe if I act sick, I won't have to go. Maybe Mom...

The little chicken.(short story)
August 1, 1997... When morning came, Yasuko wanted to stay in bed. She dreaded her first day of school in America. If only her father hadn't decided to go to an American university, she thought, things would be different. Yasuko knew how to speak English but...

The adventure of Andy Ant.(short story)
August 1, 1997... by Rebekah M. Roediger, age 8 Albany, OH Once there was a family of ants: Dad, Mom, Alice, Andy. and baby Anne. At this time there was a famine in Antland. The oldest ant called a meeting at the Under Rock. This rock is moss- and...

River-rafting adventure.(short story)
August 1, 1997... by Anne Wilcox, age 12 Thibodaux, LA Everyone was beginning to feel scorched on the black rubber rafts. I knew my dog felt the heat because her tongue was hanging out. My dad. step mom. and uncle looked scorched, too. My dad moved our raft...

Back to school.(poem)
August 1, 1997... Let's give a cheer For the new school year! Happy to begin Interesting things to read Projects on special occasions Homework neatly done Important lessons Play at break time Holidays off Old...